Yahweh Roi- The Lord is my Shepherd

I heard a teaching about sheep a while back, it was kind of gross. They are definitely cute, but- self-sufficient, tidy in the bathroom department, and smart, they are NOT! The bathroom issue alone is one reason to keep me from ever getting lambs. Apparently there is a lot involved in keeping things clear from certain southern regions on their bodies in order to keep away flies, disease, and other ghastly things. Enough said about that! Predators are always a threat to the herd and staying alert to protect the flock is one of greatest responsibility of the herdsmen. See scary picture below....

Sheep apparently also require a great deal of coaxing out of clefts and rushing rivers and barren fields and wandering ways. A sheep on its own would not survive. A sheep with its buddies is not much better.

These guys need a Shepherd!

I do believe God has a sense of humor. Obviously, He created humor. So, describing us as sheep, I believe, falls under this category, or insulting, or maybe both. Regardless, it is what He calls us and it would be prudent for us to take the hint. We need Him and that is just the way He likes it. He very much delights in caring for us.

King David pens the 23rd Psalm. The setting is a Shepherds field just outside of the city of Bethlehem. His expertise is first-hand- from the perspective of the Sheep and the Shepherd. David, the King-shepherd, went astray, very badly. But, he also leaned in, grasped, called upon, and trusted in His Shepherd- very well.

Psalm 23

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.

5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. 6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

Message version

In Just Let Them Love You we travel to a Shepherd's field. We meet Yahweh Roi, The Good Shepherd. We learn that God sees. He feeds. He refreshes and restores. He protects and also provides, and if we take heed to listen, we can even hear His voice.